Eskom’s Turnaround: Data Reveals Stark Performance Gap Between De Ruyter and Marokane Eras
A comparative analysis of Eskom’s operational and financial data reveals a dramatic improvement in the power utility’s performance under current CEO Dan Marokane, starkly contrasting with the challenges faced during his predecessor André de Ruyter’s tenure. The empirical evidence provides a clear verdict in a debate often dominated by political rhetoric and personal opinion.
The Legacy of the “Prince of Darkness”
André de Ruyter’s time as Eskom’s chief executive remains a polarizing chapter in South Africa’s energy history. While he has publicly stated that he worked to “put some momentum back into the system” and believes the fruits of his labor only materialized after his departure, the measurable outcomes tell a different story.
De Ruyter himself acknowledged his biggest failure was the poor performance of Eskom’s coal-fired power plants, calling load-shedding “the elephant in the room.” He admitted that promising to end rolling blackouts was “one of my biggest early mistakes” and that he had “completely misjudged the severity of the challenge.”
The Marokane Effect: A Data-Driven Recovery
Since Dan Marokane officially assumed the role of Group Chief Executive Officer on 1 March 2024, Eskom has undergone what can only be described as a statistical transformation. The utility’s Q2 Business Performance Report for the 2026 financial year documents this remarkable turnaround in precise figures.
The most telling metric for ordinary South Africans—load-shedding—has been reduced from 329 days at its peak to a mere 4 days in the current financial year. This represents one of the most rapid improvements in electricity reliability in Eskom’s recent history.
Core Performance Metrics Show Sustained Improvement
Beyond the reduction in blackouts, Eskom’s fundamental health indicators have shown substantial gains:
The Energy Availability Factor (EAF), a critical measure of generation reliability, improved from an average of 58.7% in September 2022 to 62.4% in September 2025.
Financially, the utility has strengthened considerably, with profit after tax soaring from R3.8 billion to R25.9 billion over three years. Equally significant is the reduction in spending on expensive open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs)—from R30 billion in 2023 to an expected R8.5 billion in the current financial year.
Contextualizing the Turnaround
While the data clearly favors Marokane’s tenure, energy analysts caution against simplistic comparisons. De Ruyter has argued that Eskom’s improved performance stems from multiple factors beyond management changes, including the completion of large generating units, increased diesel usage, and substantial private investment in solar generation capacity.
However, Eskom board chairman Mteto Nyati offers a compelling counterpoint, suggesting a media bias in coverage of the two leaders. “If André de Ruyter had done half of what Dan Marokane has done at Eskom, he would be called Mr Fix-it,” Nyati stated. “Instead, Dan’s efforts are overlooked, attributing Eskom’s turnaround to the private sector or a miracle.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The most objective assessment comes from comparing key performance indicators during De Ruyter’s final year (2023) against Marokane’s most recent complete year (2025). The data reveals consistent improvement across nearly all operational and financial metrics under the current leadership.
| Measure | André de Ruyter (FY 2023) | Dan Marokane (FY 2025) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | R295.5 billion | R340.9 billion | +R45.4 billion |
| Profit or loss (R billion) | R23.9 billion loss | R16.0 billion profit | +R39.9 billion |
| Municipal debt (R billion) | R58.8 billion | R94.6 billion | +R35.8 billion |
| OCGT production (GWh) | 3018 GWh | 2176 GWh | -842.0 GWh |
| Diesel usage | R21.4 billion | R13.3 billion | -R8.1 billion |
| EAF | 56.0% | 60.6% | +4.6pp |
| Load shedding | 280 days | 13 days | -267 days |
| Transmission lines installed | 326.1 km | 292.6 km | -33.5 km |
Looking Ahead: Sustainability Questions Remain
While Marokane’s early tenure has produced impressive results, the true test will be whether these improvements can be sustained. The reduction in OCGT spending suggests more efficient use of resources, but questions remain about the long-term maintenance of Eskom’s aging coal fleet and the pace of the energy transition.
The dramatic turnaround nonetheless provides a case study in how leadership, operational focus, and possibly favorable external conditions can combine to rescue a state-owned enterprise from the brink of collapse.